Draw curtain construction



Feb. 28. 1956 c. 1 TRUEsDALE 2,736,373

DRAW CURTAIN CONSTRUCTION Filed Oct. 5, 1951 {Sheets-Sheet l Cavour L. Truesda/e INVENTOR.

Atlomtjs Feb. 28. 1956 c. l.. TRUESDALE 2,736,373

DRAW CURTAIN CONSTRUCTION Filed Oct. 5, 1951 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Cavour L. Truesda/e DRAW CURTAIN CONSTRUCTION Feb. 28. 1956 c. l.. TRUEsDALE DRAW CURTAIN CONSTRUCTION 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Oct. 5. 1951 m d s e m L u 0 Y 0 C INVENTOR.

BY MWMLM United States Patent() DRAW CURTAIN CONSTRUCTION Cavour L. Truesdale, Richmond, Va.

Application `October 5, 1951, Serial N o. 249,893

3 Claims. (Cl. 160-124) This invention comprises novel and useful improvements in a drawcurtain .construction and more specifical- 1y pertains to anovel supporting and actuating mechansm for a draw curtain 'for windows and the like.

The primary object Aof this invention :is to provide an improved 4draw curtain construction for window openings and the like which will greatly improve the certainty lwith which the draw curtain covers the window opening; will greatly facilitate the actuation of a draw curtain and which shall be kof a durable, simple and inexpensive construction, and although easy to install, shall be highly satisfactory in its use.

It is the primary purpose yof this invention to provide an improved -draw curtain construction wherein the top kand bottom `edges of a draw curtain may be secured and supported and positively prevented from blowing in a breeze or the like, whereby a win-dow opening maybe completely and safely .closed by the draw curtain.

A further object of the invention is to provide a ydraw curtain construction in vconformity with the preceding objects wherein the two sections or halves of a draw curtain may be simultaneously moved in coordination with each other between their open and closed positions.

Yet another important object .of the invention is to provide an improved draw curtain construction as set forth in the above mentioned objects wherein the cur- .tain or curtain halves are positively moved in coordinanon in either direction of motion; and are positively guided .at .all times at Atheir top and bottom edges during such motion. Y

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a draw curtain .construction in conformity with the pre- .viously mentioned objects in which the advantages of an endless pull cord are associated with the curtain or curtain sections for operating the same.

A still further additional object of the invention isjto provide a pull cord and curtain construction wherein the cord is pretensioned to prevent the development-of slack 'inthe cord.

Yet another important object of the invention is to provide a pull cord mechanism for draw curtains wherein a major portion of the pull cord construction is housed within the supporting and guiding members of the curtain and curtain sections. Still another object of the invention is to provide a pull cord construction for pull curtains wherein the pull cord guide rollers are mounted within the ,terminal pieces of the `guide rails or support members of the construction.

More generally, it is a purpose of this invention to provide ,a draw curtain construction which by virtue of its positive operation in both directions, .the positive securing and guiding of the upper and lower edges .of the curtain is especially adapted for such important light excluding functions as a closure for .the windowsl for `visual education projects, movies, or the like; blackout curtains and for similar functions.

rice:

These, together with various ancillary lfeatures and objects of the invention, which will later become apparent as 'the following description proceeds, are attained by the present invention, preferred embodiments of which have been illustrated, by way of example only, in the accompanying drawings, wherein: l

Figure l is a front elevational view Ashowing a draw curtain construction in accordance with ythe principles of lthis invention, the curtain being shown in its' closed position and partsI being broken away to show certain features of construction of the invention;

Figure 2 is 'a vertical transverse broken sectional view taken substantially upon the plane indicated yby the section line 2-2 of Figure l and upon a lslightly enlarged scale, parts being broken away andy showing the manner in which the curtain is attached to its supporting members;

Figure 3 is a front elevational view of the ,arrangement of Figure l, `the top valance and the curtain being `moved therefrom and showing in particular the upper and lower support tracks or support member together with their' mounting brackets and the draw cord of the device; .v

Figure 4 is a diagrammatic view of the pull cord construction showing its mounting and the means vby which the adjacent edges of the curtain sections are attached to the pull cord for operation thereby;

Figure 5 is a vertical transverse sectional View, taken upon an enlarged scale substantially upon the plane indicated by the section line 5-5 of Figure 3;

Figure i6`is a vertical transverse sectional detail View ltaken upon an lenlarged scale lsubstantially upon the plane indicated by the section line 6-6 of Figure 3 land showing certain structural features of the adjustable supporting bracket of the device;

r'Figure 7 is an end elevational detail view taken upon an yenlarged lscale at the upper right end of Figure 8,'

Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 3 but showing a modified construction of the support tracks of the invention specifically adapted for use upon horizontal surfaces such as ceilings and doors and the like;

l Figure 9 is a View similar to Figure 2 but showing a modified construction of the lower support members and 4curtain fasteners slidably mounted therein;

Figure l0 is a group perspective view of a pair` of the master or 'actuating slides of the draw curtain combinaton;

Figure ll is aperspective detail View of an intermediate support fcr the track of Figure 9; and

Figure l2 is a vertical transverse sectional detail view taken upon an enlarged scale substantially upon .the plane indicated by the section line 12--12 of Figure 8, showing a modified form of track `and slide construction.

Referring now more specifically to the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals designate similar parts throughout the various views, attention is invited first to the'form 'of the invention illustrated in Figures 1-6. Referring first more specifically to Figures l and 2, it be seen that a draw curtain consisting of a pair of curtain halves or `Sections 10, l2 is mounted before a window opening indicated at 14, upon a vertical supporting .surface 1 6 such `as the wall of a building or the like, Indicated at 1-8 is a conventional form of valance which encloses the upper portion of the curtain .-and its supporting mechanism as set forth hereinafter, while the numeral 20 indicates a flexible apron or shield attached to the lower portion of the curtain -sectinns 10 and4 12 Vanddepending therefrom to overlie and thus Venclose and conceal the lower edge of the draw curtain sections- 10, l2 together with va supporting and operating ,mechanism as set forth hereinafter.

It will readily be appreciated that the invention is not limited to any particular construction of curtain, valance or depending apron or shield.

It is, however, the essential and fundamental purpose of this invention to provide a support means which will positively guide both the top and bottom edges of the draw curtain or draw curtain halves for transverse sliding movement relative to the window opening', will serve to maintain the curtain material taut across the opening despite drafts of air, breezes or the like; and which will serve to house and enclose the draw cord construction attached to the upper and lower edges of the draw curtain for operating the same. l

Referring now more speciiically to Figure 3, it will be seen that in accordance with this invention there are provided a pair of curtain supporting rails or support members, the upper member indicated by the numeral 22 and the lower member indicated by the numeral 24 being adapted to be mounted respectively above and below the upper edges of a window opening as will be also apparent from Figure 2. These support members consist of an elongated central sleeve portion 26 which may be of any desired cross sectional contour such for example as the oval-shape disclosed in Figure 5, these members being identical for the upper and lower curtain supports, each having a longitudinally medially extending slot 28 therein. The rails 26 are disposed with the slot at the side which is adjacent to the supporting surface 16, or concealed from view. Terminal pieces in the form of sleeves 30 and 32 are slidingly and telescopingly received upon the ends of the rail pieces 26. It is contemplated that standard sizes of rail pieces 26 may be stocked, and such pieces may be cut to length in accordance with the size of the curtain construction desired, the terminal pieces 30 and 32 being then applied thereto tol provide the requisite length of upper and lower support members of the construction. In some instances, a frictional iit or engagement of the terminal pieces upon the rail 26 may be sufficient and may be relied upon to retain the parts in assembled position, although in other instances any suitable fastening and retaining means may be employed as may be found to be expedient.

The upper and lower support members are mounted upon the walls 16 or other vertical supporting surface by any suitable form of mounting brackets. One satis- `factory arrangement of mounting bracket is disclosed in Figure 3, the same including a base portion 34 having an angulated mounting flange 36 thereon, suitably apertured as at 38 for attachment by nails or screws to the vertical supporting surface 16. The member 34, as shown in Figure 6, is preferably provided with parallel semicircular channel portions 40 which constitute slides and guides for removable end bracket member 42, having similarly positioned complementary semicircular channel portions 44 slidably received in the channels 40. The free ends of the members 42 are provided with socket members 46 for detachably receiving and supporting and securing therein the terminal pieces 30 and 32.

The members 42 are longitudinally adjustably mounted upon the members 34 as by bolts and slots indicated by the numeral 4S. It will thus be apparent that the brackets may be adjusted and locked in adjusted position to locate the top and bottom rails 22 and 24 at any desired distance from the supporting surface 16.

Referring now especially to Figures 2, 3 and 5, it will be seen that a plurality of slides Sii are provided having portions 51 received within the rail members' 26, these slides having angulated mid-portions 52 which are disposed closely adjacent the rails 26 and underlie the central portion thereof. tures in the free ends of the slide portions 52 and to eyelets or grommets 56 mounted in the upper and lower edges of the draw curtain. Thus, the draw curtain is attached to the slides and movable therewith along` the tracks.

Hooks 54 are connected to aperr The curtains are thus slidably and directly secured to the upper and lower support rails by the slides 50 mounted in the slots 28. Pull cord means 58 for causing sliding actuation of the curtains is mounted and concealed within the hollow rails 22, 24.

As shown best in Figure 4, the pull cord 58 is arranged in a U-shaped conformation with inner and outer reaches of the cord. The outer reach consists of horizontal flights or loops 61 and 63 connected by a vertical flight or loop 65, while the inner reach likewise consists of horizontal iiights 67 and 69 connected by a vertical iiight 7l. The flights of one reach are disposed in closely parallel relation to those of the other reach as shown.

Pairs of master slides indicated generally by the numerals 62 and 64 are fixedly secured to the pull cord 5S for movement therewith. Slides 62 are secured to the flights 61 and 63 while slides 64 are attached to liights67 and 69. These master slides, as shown in Figures 4, 10, include clip portions 66 which embrace and are xedly secured in any desired manner to the pull cord, and ami portions 68 which extend through the slots 28 and have laterally extending portions 69 with arms 71 and 73 which are attached to the adjacent edges of the two curtain sections 10 and 12.

As will be readily understood from Figures 3 and 10, the slides 62 and 64 have their arms 71 and 73 laterally offset from each other whereby the two adjacent ends of the curtain sections will be caused to overlap each other in the closed position of the curtain construction.

The rail terminal sleeves 30 of the upper and lower sections are each provided with a guide pulley journaled therein, the other two terminal sleeves 32 being provided with a pair of guide pulleys 72 and 74, this guide pulley arrangement being shown in the diagrammatic view of Figure 4 and in Figure 5 and supporting the two reaches of the pull cable 58.

The endless draw cord is entrained over these pulleys as shown in Figure 4 to thus provide upper and lower horizontal portions together with vertical positions. In the vertical flight 71 of the cord there is provided a tension spring 76 which is attached to the ends of the unitary cord to pretension the cord and thus take up any slack in the same.

It will now be apparent from Figures 3 and 4 that the upper and lower support members 22 and 24 house the upper and lower portions of the cord and of the slides carried thereby.

The arrows in Figure 4 indicate the direction in which the various flights of the different portions of the cord move when the cord is moved in one direction. From the arrows, it will thus be seen that the two curtain halves will be moved simultaneously and in coordination in opposite directions to thus open and close the curtains.

As will be now understood, the construction shown in Figure 3 may be employed with or without the valance 18, and the sections 22 and 24 may be housed or enclosed in any desired manner.

In the embodiment thus far described, the slots for receiving the slide portions 51 are disposed in the inside surface of the upper and lower support members 22 and 24. This construction is satisfactory for installations in which the length of the support members is not so great that they require bracing or supporting intermediate their ends. Where a construction is desired which is of such length that intermediate bracing or supporting is necessary, the construction of Figure l1 may be employed.

Intermediate the ends, as shown in Figure l1, the rails 26 are provided with supporting brackets 88, which brackets include a stationary, horizontally disposed support arm having an integral base flange 92 apertured as at 94 `for attachment to the vertical supporting surface. This base member of the bracket is provided with a supporting clip 96 which is longitudinally adjustable upon the bracket as by an adjusting bolt 98 receivable in suitable slots of these members. The bracket, at its outer end, is provided with an inturned edge 100 forming a hook adapted to embrace the support rail as illustrated. The bracket will thus support the rail 26 of either the upper or lower support 22, 24 intermediate its ends, without interfering with movement of the curtains or slides.

A slightly modified slide construction is shown in Figure 9. Here the same rail 26 with slot 28 is provided, the view being that of a bottom support 24. The two flights of the cable 58 are shown housed therein, extending over the pulleys 72, 74 as previously set forth. The lower portion of the curtain section 12 with apron 20 depending therefrom is likewise shown.

However, in place of the slide 50 with portion 51, previously described, there are provided slides 31, each having an apertured plate 83 for receiving the curtain fastening hook 54, a laterally extending stern 86 slidably received in the slot 28 and having a disk or button 84 on its end retained inside the member 26. The operation of this form of slide will be readily apparent.

The above described constructions are suitable especially for mounting on vertical supporting surfaces such `as adjacent windows and the like. In Figure 8 is disclosed a slightly modified construction operating upon the same principles previously set forth by means of which a draw curtain may be secured to horizontal supporting surfaces such as to the ceiling and floor elements of a room or the like. For that purpose, there are provided upper and lower support members or tracks indicated generally by the numerals 102 and 104, respectively, each of these tracks consisting of a channel member 106 which is U-shaped in cross section. The ends of these channel members are provided with terminal elements 108 and 110 at the opposite ends thereof, the terminal members 108 and 110 being identical with the terminal sleeve members 30 and 32 respectively, except for their shape. As in the previously described terminal members, guide pulleys are provided for supporting the flights of the draw cord 58. The channel members 106 are disposed with their open sides facing each other whereby the plurality of slides 112 may extend from the open sides for engagement by the previously mentioned supporting hooks by which the curtain is attached to the draw cord. As in the preceding embodiment, master slides 114 and 116 are xedly attached to the draw cord in the same manner as the master slide of the previously described embodiment.

The closed web portions of the channel members 106 are provided with suitable apertures 118 by means of which the channel members may be secured to a ceiling, a oor or other horizontal supporting surface. By this means, the draw curtain construction may be applied within a window opening between the horizontal top and bottom members of the window frame, or in an analogous environment, as between the frame members of a skylight or the like.

In place of the open channel construction of Figure 8, there may also be employed a slightly modified channel construction of Figure 12. In this form, a channel member of `C-shaped cross section is provided as indicated by the numeral 120, which channel member will, of course, be identical in construction for the top and bottom rails as previously set forth. These channels are provided with longitudinally extending slots 122 upon their adjacent surfaces. Slides 124 are positioned within these channels and have depending neck portions 126 extending through the slots which are apertured for engagement by the fastening hooks by which the curtain is attached thereto.

From the foregoing, it is believed that the principle of this invention will now be readily understood as well as the extreme adaptability of the same to very specialized environments and uses. Accordingly, further explanation of the construction and operation is believed to be unnecessary. Since numerous modiiications will readily occur to those skilled in the art after a consideration of the foregoing specification and accompanying drawings, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction shown and described, but all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Having described the invention, what is claimed as new 1. A draw curtain construction for windows comprising a support means, an endless draw cord carried by said support means, a window curtain comprising a pair of sections each consisting of a sheet of a pliable material, fasteners securing each section at its top and bottom to said draw cord, said support means including a pair of horizontally disposed upper and lower hollow members positioned respectively at the top and bottom of a window opening, said draw cord including parallel reaches each of U-shaped conguration, each reach including horizontal upper and lower ights each housed in one of said members, the horizontal ilights of each reach being connected at one end by a vertical ight positioned at one side of said window, said members having longitudinal slots therein, said fasteners being disposed in said members and extending through said slots and attached to said sections, said members being closed at their ends by terminal sleeves in telescoping embracing relation, said sleeves having pulleys journaled therein, said draw cord being entrained over said pulleys, openings in said sleeves for said vertical flights, a tension member incorporated in one of said vertical ilights for taking up slack in the draw cord, brackets engaging said sleeves for supporting said members, said sections being supported solely by the upper member in depending relation therefrom, the fasteners of the lower member engaging the bottom end of the sections for holding the latter taut.

2. The combination of claim 1 including a single pulley journaled in a sleeve at one end of each member and a pair of pulleys journaled in a sleeve at the other end of each member, the horizontal flights of the pair of reaches in each member being entrained about said single pulley and being each entrained over one of said pair of pulleys.

3. The combination of claim 1 wherein the fasteners for diiferent sections are attached to different flights of the draw cord in each member.

References Cited inthe tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 66,272 Wright July 2, 1867 1,016,256 Fechner Feb. 6, 1912 1,125,128 Kuczon Jan. 19, 1915 1,644,285 Smith Oct. 4, 1927 1,857,673 Vallen May 10, 1932 1,916,719 Dover July 4, 1933 2,522,509 Fridolph Sept. 19, 1950 

